Analysis of the state of social resilience among different socio-demographic groups during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study examines social resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic by analyzing the state of selected indicators among different Socio-Demographic Groups (SDGs) in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. Data were collected via a questionnaire survey. The survey was administered between January and April 2021 and the total number of properly completed questionnaires was 786. The findings show that, first, almost all of the Social Resilience Indicators (SRIs) have experienced negative and unfavorable changes during the pandemic in Tehran. This is remarkably the case for social coping style, social capital, social relationship, and social adaptability. Second, no significant difference in the state of SRIs was observed among different SDGs, except for the age group of 17-20, educational groups with diploma and post-diploma education, and the educational occupational group. Third, testing the impact of the state of SRIs on SDGs indicated a positive and statistically significant impact in four paths, namely SRIs with gender, SRIs with age, SRIs with Job, and SRIs with education. Our results can shed more light on SRIs that can be used to measure the state of social resilience in communities affected by the pandemic, like Tehran. They can also provide insights into actions that should be taken by planners and policy makers to enhance resilience in other communities with similar conditions.